Water Ministry launches national campaign against water theft

AMMAN — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation has launched a national campaign to raise awareness of the dangers and impact of water thefts.

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation has sealed 95 wells since beginning of this year, according to the ministry.

The ministry said that 1,260 thefts have been recorded at King Abdullah Canal since the beginning of this year, and 5,200 thefts have been recorded on major water lines.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Water and Irrigation Omar Salameh said in a statement on Monday that Jordan suffers from a large water deficit. Salameh stressed the high costs of the thefts, as each loss of 1 per cent of the water supply constitutes JD1 million in losses.

The Ministry of Water estimated that 1 cubic metre of water costs the State Treasury approximately 2.40 piasters.

Jordan needs about 1.5 billion cubic metres of water annually, compared to the current water supply of 1.2 billion cubic metres.

Mohammad Al Shawabkeh, the owner of a farm in Madaba, said that he suffers from water shortages that affect his crops.

“I think that strict laws and monitoring should be put in place, and that those who steal water sources should be brought to justice,” he added.

Jordanian Siham Ahmad also said that she suffers from frequent water cuts in the Ghor region, which she attributed to water theft.

Saif Murad, owner of a water truck, said that many people who experiencing water shortages are forced to buy water for reasons such as crop irrigation, among other uses.